Ontario Investing Over $2 Million to Expand Nursing Programs at Brock University
September 10, 2025
St. Catharines – The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its plan to protect the province’s health-care system by investing $2,400,960 to expand enrollment in nursing programs at Brock University, training up to sixty additional nurses by 2029. This investment will help build the pipeline of highly skilled nurse practitioners, registered nurses and registered practical nurses that are needed to meet the growing need for more nurses in hospitals, long-term care homes, community health centres and primary care clinics in Niagara.
“Our government is connecting more people to care by increasing enrollment for frontline health care workers and providing new options for learning,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
“As part of the province’s record support of Ontario’s health care system, this expansion of local nursing seats will ensure more direct care for residents in Niagara.”
“Nurses are an integral part of Ontario’s health care system, providing life-saving and compassionate care when patients need it the most,” said Hon. Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.
“Through this investment, our government is growing our critical health care workforce and protecting Ontario’s access to excellent care, close to home, now and into the future.”
This funding is part of a larger $56.8 million investment to expand enrolment in nursing programs across the province, adding 2,200 nursing professionals to Ontario’s health care workforce by 2029 to meet the growing need for more nurses in Ontario hospitals, long-term care homes, community health centres and primary care clinics.
“We are equipping the next generation of health-care leaders with the skills necessary to save lives and provide compassionate and effective care,” said Dr. Lesley Rigg, President and Vice-Chancellor of Brock University.
“Thanks to the Ontario government’s investment, more nursing students will have the opportunity to learn from our world-class instructors and gain valuable experience working in local health-care settings, making a difference in the community throughout their studies.”
“Brock nursing graduates are known in Niagara and beyond for their commitment to care and workplace excellence,” said Dr. Panagiota Klentrou, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at Brock University.
“We look forward to further building on that reputation as we help future nurses master the life-saving skills needed to have a lasting impact on our health-care system.”
In addition to expanding nursing enrollment, the province is providing a one-time investment of $7.5 million to help universities purchase nursing clinical supplies and laboratory equipment. This funding will equip nursing students with cutting-edge tools for hands-on training to the skills they need to thrive in their career. Brock University is receiving an additional $500,000 in support from the province through this one-time investment.
“Expanding nursing seats at Brock University is a vital investment in St. Catharines and Niagara,” said Mat Siscoe, Mayor of the City of St. Catharines.
“Training more nurses locally will strengthen our health-care system, ensure more care close to home, and give our community greater confidence in the future.”
As part of this investment, Ontario is expanding registration in online nursing pathways. These programs will enable personal support workers and registered practical nurses to advance their education and continue serving their communities.
As a critical step in connecting everyone in Ontario to excellent care, the province continues to make decisive investments into college and university programs that strengthen the workforce of tomorrow and protect Ontario for generations to come.
“Our government is continuing to take bold action to protect Ontario’s health-care system,” said Hon. Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
“By ensuring more people can become nurses in Ontario, we are building on our progress to strengthen the province’s world-class nursing workforce for years to come.”
“Our government is improving long-term care by training, hiring and retaining thousands of health-care workers,” said Hon. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care.
“As a Registered Nurse, I know how impactful these investments will be to ensure we have the staff to deliver high quality care to Ontario’s long-term care residents.”